In just one short week, we will be in Turkey for our first visit. Any suggestions of good restaurants in Istanbul, Selcuk/Epheseus area, Urgup/Cappodocia, Tasucu/Sifilke area? Thanks!

lacontessa,

Our favorite restaurant in Istanbul was Daruzziyafe, opposite the entrance to the Sulamaniye Camii.
We had excellent food in a lovely courtyard. By far, it was the best meal we had in Istanbul and in a lovely atmostphere, too.

Also, avoid Sarnic. It's an expensive restaurant in a beautiful atmosphere in a candle-lit cistern, but it was the most overpriced bland food we ate on the entire trip. Someone we met recommended it highly, but I?ll tell you otherwise.

In Selcuk, we ate at a small restaurant restaurant recommended in Lonely Planet calld TAT. This was in 2001, so I don't know what changes have occurred, but it was a local restaurant with good food.

For a change of pace from dusty Selcuk, take one of the frequent dolmus trucks from the bus station up to Sirince (pronounced "She-RIN-juh&quot. It is a scenic little hilltown with several good restaurants and plenty to see. Just make sure that you don't miss the last dolmus back to Selcuk.

Was in Istanbul Oct 03 - had some great meals - I'll top my report for you.

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